Programme underway to boost fuel cell technologies

A programme to invigorate development of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies will begin with two feasibility study competitions.

The Building Fuel Cell Manufacturing and the Supply Chain competition will offer up to £5m through grant funding to encourage the development of manufacturing capabilities and supply-chain partnerships to support the production of fuel cells.

The programme aims to enable businesses to make changes in production volumes and in lifetime cost reduction through the application of techniques from other sectors, or the academic community.

Up to £1m is available for feasibility studies to explore the potential for innovative ideas and partnerships ahead of further development. £4m will also be available for collaborative R&D to take the most promising projects forward.

A second competition, the supporting European Collaboration in Fuel Cells and Hydrogen competition, will see the Technology Strategy Board invest up to £1m in feasibility studies to encourage EU partnerships.

The competitions open on 26 November 2012 and the deadline for registration is 9 January 2013. Applications must then be received by 16 January 2013.

A briefing event will be held in London on 4 December 2012 to highlight the main features of the competitions and explain the application process.

For full details of the competitions visit: Building FC Manufacturing and Supply Chain and Supporting European Collaboration FCH.